We held Kristi’s graduation on Sunday evening. This was so we could have a family feast together after church celebrating our 28th anniversary, Jeni and Jason’s engagement and Kristi’s graduation. We had a delightful time together as a family. Then, the meal ended and I brought out the chore list!!!!

Everyone was such trooper as we all worked together to haul tables and decorate and finish the last few food items and the punch. It came together beautifully.

We held the party on our cottage lawn. It is one of the most beautiful places on the planet…. I am not kidding! It is my sanity and I am so thankful for it.

Many people did not know that we had that place and so it was fun to hear people exclaim on how beautiful and peaceful it was. I ended up doing quite a few tours of the cottage as well.

The weather was beautiful and people gathered at tables or in the circles of chairs or standing in groups. Children set up the crochet set and some of the older youth played football in the open lawn. It was so enjoyable to see people so happy together, visiting and hearing the laughter. Kristi greeted her guests and talked with everyone who came. Kristi is probably out quietest daughter and so this was an exercise in being very social for her!

Rick took it upon himself to serve the cake while I mixed the punch and ran trays of desserts out, in between visiting with so many of our friends and family.

The evening went quickly but I have so many good memories.

A friend of mine came back later to pick up children and we were cleaning up in the cottage so we sat and visited with my daughters and a few friends. I love girl talk and laughter and sharing that is so good and honoring when it is sisters in Christ together.

My friend ended up leaving her daughter to stay longer and play games. Everyone in fact had friends around as we wound down the night. When I finally made it down to the house I realized there were more friends than I had thought. Some were hungry and eating, some playing games, some visiting and looking at the days pictures on the computer. Joyful activity.

I made sure children had a ride home and then I headed off to bed, exhausted.

Kristi had gone to stay at her best friend’s house for the night. When she returned she came and told me that there were people in her bed and she did not know who… this is typical Gills Rock. As it was, we had a full house so Annie had her friend staying over and when looking for a place to sleep found Kristi’s bed open. We laughed about it!

Monday was spent discussing wedding plans and preparing to head to the traditional Memorial Day fishboil. We enjoyed visiting with more friends and seeing folks that we will hardly see again until the tourist season is over.